TOKYO — Toyota on Monday revealed more details about the rollout of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and a key executive said the automaker will begin selling the vehicle to U.S. consumers in late 2011. Previously, the company had said it would not begin retail sales until 2012.
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, disclosed the retail sale plan to reporters. He did not reveal a price for the Prius Plug-in Hybrid but indicated that it would be affordable. Toyota announced that approximately 600 units of the Prius Plug-in Hybrid will be introduced in Japan, the U.S. and Europe over the first half of 2010 for use by governments and businesses.
In Japan, Toyota will lease about 230 units to local governments, electric power companies and other business entities. In the U.S., about 150 units will go to government agencies, corporations, universities and research agencies, as was announced in early December during the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. In Europe, Toyota will lease about 200 units, with about 100 going to the city of Strasbourg, France.
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid will also be introduced in the United Kingdom and Portugal, "with the company also considering 10 other European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, along with countries in other regions, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand," said Toyota in a statement.
Inside Line says: Toyota clearly is anxious to speed the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to market. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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